Cambodia Frees Four Government Critics
January 17, 2006
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Four prominent critics of the Cambodian government who had been arrested on defamation charges were released on bail Tuesday from a Phnom Penh prison.
Prime Minister Hun Sen had promised Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Christopher Hill that he would see to it that the four were released. The two met Tuesday in the Cambodia capital.
The United States has condemned the arrests as part of a government campaign to neutralize opponents. Many fear Cambodia is gradually sinking into authoritarian rule under Hun Sen.